977.359
L591
LEXINGTON-G EMT
1855-1 955;
I i
lAL
"LI b R.ARY
OF THE
iilisols iiistorical imt}l
m0mi
mmi
mm-
»m
LEXINGTON
yjBntennial
/855
/055
LEXINGTON.,
ON YOUR FIRST lOO YEARS
We expect to he around
helping you grow for
the next hundred!
TOMAHAWK
HYBRID CORN CO.
DISTRIBUTOR OF
TOMAHAWK AND
lOWEALTH HYBRIDS
•
ROYAL"TOBY"WHITMAN
STATE SALES MANAGER
TOMAHAWK
SEED CO.
PRODUCER OF
TOMAHAWK AN D
lOWEALTH HYBRIDS
W. R."WALLY" EGGLESTON
PRODUCTION SUPERINTENDENT
VOUR SAFEGUARD
TO CROP SUCCESS
^^5°^1
V\. vVi,t
Lexington Centennia
July 10 -- July 17
1955
This celebrafion is staged by the citizens of
Lexington in honor of the early pioneers who
settled on the prairie of Illinois and created
this community.
We Welcome You
HAUSHALTER'S
Food Store
'^ where The Wise Economize"
An Old Fashioned Saying
That's Still True Today
"A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned"
A Complete Self Service Meat Department
Coming In Lexington's 101st Year
Our First Step In Helping Lexington's
Second Century To Be Even Better
DIRECTORS
T. M. Patton Chairman
Wallace Musselman Co-Chairman
Glenn Watt Co-Chairnnan
Mrs. Miles Ward
A. P. Schantz
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Roland Maas Chairman
Mrs. Emora Hefner
Mrs. Ralph Lanzer
OIlie Myers
Gilbert Peine
DIVISION CHAIRMEN
Bernard Jacobs Secretary
R. E. Sparks Treasurer
Earl Thomas Parade Chairman
Albert Hoopes Legal Adviser
Since space in a book of this type is limited, much interesting
history will be left un-recorded. We regret very much if any names
were left out of the programs lists or committees through some
unintentional oversight.
L?4'f~ ^ /ht^ejU^t^j ^/^Sl_ y^L^c^ /ly^^l^ y^ -?fe
CL^i^L. c?-€i^tl c?^ ^:h^^€£ 6i-cf /iyugc>t<.^(^u4. '-'^^^ ^
■//i^^t /^W^ /^^ rii^t^?.^<^A^Cuct. ay' di^A^Ji.
'^(/Zyyt^^ S/x^^l (Uyx^ytiy i\ -e<? //e^/^ /^./ytx /T^c^^^
/^^^e^'^ /f^t^AjL ^<^'^^ /^T^^ y^Aln^/ y< /^ ^^ ' ^3>
/Si^ /^^^ ^^~ p-'^y-^''<f-^ ^^ C^/t^^JLfy>r^ //^
E. Atkins
S. Golliday
'•»UI
MAYOR AND ALDERMEN - 1955
MAYOR WATT
The committees wish to thank everyone in the community who
has in any way helped with material for this book. A special thanks
to the editors of the Unit-Journal.
HANK'S GARAGE
Phone 66R2
Sales FORD Service
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
Publishers
THE LEXINGTON UNIT-JOURNAL
Commercial Printers
•
LEXINGTON. ILLINOIS
Gleeson's Mobil Service
MOBIL PRODUCTS
Automatic Car Washing and Greasing
TANK WAGON SERVICE
Phone 187
Lexington, Illinois
Hudson's Tavern
Burwell & Bernice Hutson
Va Mile West of Lexington
Beer Liquors Wines
Compliments of
Lehman's Men's Store
and
Lehman's Boy's Shop
PONTIAC. ILLINOIS
COMPLIMENTS OF
D.S. MAHAN
Lexington, Illinois
Swanson's Archway
Home Style Cookies
"TRY 'EM — THEY'RE GOOD"
Buy Them at Your Grocer's
Congratulations From
YOUR Clothing Store
This Last 50 Years
Aloberlif ana Kleniier
BLOOMINGTON, ILL.
Congratulations!
W. B. Read 8k Co.
109 N. Main St., Bloomington, III.
For more than fifty years your headquarters
for the best in
Books - School Supplies - Toys
Sporting Goods - Office Supplies
CONGRATULATIONS LEXINGTON
on your
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
from
"WHIZ-Z-Z. BEST CANDY BAR THERE IZ-Z-Z"
Paul F. Beich Company
Bloomington, Illinois
Over 100 Years of Fine Candy Making
Old Grade School
— Built 1896
Day By Day Events
SUNDAY, JULY 10
"Back to Church Rally" — Church Service Commemorating our Cen-
tennial.
MONDAY, JULY 11
8:30 P. M. — Pageant — "Our Hundred Years"
"Crowning of the Queen"
TUESDAY, JULY 12
8:30 P. M. — Pageant — "Our Hundred Years"
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13
8:30 P. M. — Pageant — "Our Hundred Years"
Drawing of Mexican Burro — Donated by W. J. Musselman
THURSDAY, JULY 14
Agriculture Show — 8:00 A. M. Swine Judging
1:00 P. M. — - Sheep Judging
Flower Show — 1:00 P. M. to 9 P. M.
FRIDAY. JULY 15
Agriculture Show Continued — 10.00 A. M. Judging of Beef
1 :00 P. M. — Judging of Rabbits and Poultry
6 :00 P. M. Little League Ball Game —
Gridley All Stars vs. Lexington All Stars
7:30 P. M. Girls Softball Game — Gary, Ind. Chix vs. Gophers
9 :30 P. M. — Kewanee Ball Hawks vs. Peoria Kolettes
SATURDAY. JULY 16
1:30 P. M. — Kiddie Parade
2:30 P. M. — Sheriff Syd
7 :30 P. M. — Sheriff Syd
8 :00 P. M. — Style Show of Centennial Costumes
9:00 P. M. — Beard Judging Contest — Shaving Exhibition
Remington Rand DeLuxe Electric Shavers will be prizes
SUNDAY, JULY 17
2:00 P. M. — Parade
ATHLETIC FIELD
4:30 P. M. — Antique Auto Show
7:30 P. M. — Exhibition by Kankakee National Champion Drill Team
8 :00 P. M. — Drum and Bugle Corps Competition
Drawing of Mexican Burro — Donated by W. J. Musselman
10:00 P. M. — Free Fireworks
Our thanks to everyone who furnished prizes and
helped in any way to make the centennial a suc-
cess.
— Cenfennial Committee
AUTO PARKING SUPER SERVICE
AUTO HOTEL
Phone 2017-0
GOODRICH TIRES — EXIDE BATTERIES
East and Jefferson Bloomington, III.
6 a.m. 'til Midnight
Compliments of
Everett M. Bailey & Sons
Pontiac, Illinois Phone 5269
AMERICAN SEATING CO.
School Furniture Distributor
for Central Illinois
ONEIDA PRODUCTS CORPORATION
Safety School Bus Bodies - Sales & Service
Distributor for Illinois
Dlller Tile Company
Manufacturers of
HIGH GRADE DRAIN TILE
Retailers of
Brick and Corrugated Culverts
PHONE 81 CHATSWORTH, ILL.
Be sure to see your local dealer
for our tile
Compliments of
CHET'S
Skelley Service Station
COMPLETE CAR SERVICE
"We Never Close"
Chester E. Roseman Phone 98
Lexington, Illinois
COMPLIMENTS OF
General Telephone Co.
Bloomington
Livestock Sales Pavilion
Harold Kindred - Auct. & Owner
2 MILES SOUTH OF BLOOMINGTON, ILL.
SOUTH ON U. S. ROUTE 51
SALE EVERY WEDNESDAY
Phone 9-0936
Compliments of
LEXINGTON DAIRY BAR
CONGRATULATIONS ON
100 YEARS OF PROGRESS
We're happy for the part we've played in past
years and look forward to the future with you.
Berenz and Son
ASPHALT COMPANY
Est. 1899
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
Compliments
Hyneman Auto Body Shop
Complete Auto Body Rebuilders
Phone 196
10
COMPLIMENTS OF
TILLIES BARBER SHOP
AND
RUTH'S BEAUTY SHOP
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
Jack Musselman Agency
LIFE - CASUALTY - FIRE
Lexington, Illinois
TURNIPSEED'S
5 c ■ $ 1.00 STORE
Where
you
will always find
something new.
Stationery
Novelties
Notions
Glassware
Hosiery
Gifts
Toys
Household Specialties
BILL CHEEVER
AGENT
STANDARD OIL
CO.
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
HARMON'S MACHINE SHOP
COMPLETE WELDING SERVICE
Lexington, Illinois
'There's No Substitute for Experience"
Helbling Garage
WM. WHALEY, Proprietor
CHEVROLET and BUICK
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
11
Cotnp/hnents of
McLEAN COUNTY
SERVICE COMPANY
R. D. WARD
Insurance & Real Estate
OFFICE & RESIDENCE PHONE 68
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
(JOHN) (ALMA)
STFWART
Sweet Shop
LKXINGTON, ILLINOIS
It's
Polk Cleaners
For
Twenty Three Years
In A Hundred
Year Old City
Lexington, Illinois
12
HISTORY OF BAPTIST CHURCH
The Centennial for the Baptist Church will
be celebrated in 1956, as it was organized Aug.
23, 1856, just one year after Lexington was
incorporated.
There were nine charter members, who as-
sembled at the home of L. P. Scrogin and
selected David Fitzgerald as the first Deacon,
and Henderson Peek as the first Clerk.
After they were thoroughly organized they
extended a call to the Rev. Wm. Branch to be
their pastor. He accepted.
They held their first services in a school
house, which at that time was on the north-
east corner of the park. Later they made ar-
rangements with the Christian Church and
used their building until they decided to build
their own Church Home.
The first members to be converted and bap-
tized were Geo. Morris, Jennie Morris, Carrie
Scrogin and Jennie Evans.
Other members were added until 1874, the
congregation decided to build a church on the
lots donated by L. P. Scrogin. This building
was dedicated July 12th, 1874, and still re-
mains, but with considerable remodeling in
1902.
The Sunday School was organized in 1871
with W. W. Randolph as Superintendent.
Since then there have been many pa.stors and
superintendents. The present Pastor is the Rev.
Arthur Charsky and the present Sunday School
Superintendent is Wilma Lee Woolard.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY
Disciples of Christ Church of Lexington
was organized in 1860 by B. H. Smith. Bible
School was started in 1887, northeast corner of
Pine and Locust Streets.
L G. Campbell and James Robeson were the
two pioneer preachers of the Church of Christ
who visited Lexington previous to 1859. In
November of that year, Benjamin Franklin
held a public debate there with John Luccoch
of the M. E. Church. The organization of this
church was one of the results of this discus-
sion. The charter members were Mr. and Mrs.
C. N. Long, Mr. and Mrs. John Franklin, and
Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Dement. A frame building
was erected the following year.
The first pastor was Theodore Brooks, who
was followed by Joseph Lowe, Samuel Lowe,
J. F. Ghormley, M. F. Ingram, and W. D. Pol-
lard, who entered the ministry from this
church. In the early seventies the church lost
spiritual life and the house was closed for
seventeen years. Some good women opened it
again in 1887, starting a Sunday School. Meet-
ings were held by Evangelists T. A. Boyer
and 0. W. Stewart, which brought to it new
life and large numbers.
The pastors who followed were Rev's J. H.
Reece, W. H. Cannon (during whose ministry
a brick building costing $8,000 was erected),
E. A. Gilliland, A. A. Wilson, 0. L. Smith,
George H. Brown, B. H. Sealock, and J. P.
Givins, W. H. Storm, John Moore, Rev. Hohn,
William Askew, George Moore, Harold Wiltz,
C. H. Hougham, Charles Day, E. E. Higdon,
Claude Adams, J. H. Sharda, H. W. Talley,
Luther Stone, and the present minister. Rev.
C. A. McGinnis.
4.
i.
13
Skelly Super
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
1855 ig55
LEXINGTON
'^Our Hundred Years"
All praise to those before us who made
America great — May she endure
forever.
Lexington, we are proud of you. Your
churches, your schools, and our entire
community
The A. P. Schantz Co.
A. P. and Bess
Compliments
^04^ Qo^ee Sltof,
Lexington, Illinois
Compliments of
DR. P. A. LING
LEXINGTON. ILLINOIS
Serving the Community Since 1922
Musselman Funeral Home
Lexington, Illinois
CONGRATULATIONS!
MESA CAfE
LEXINGTON. ILLINOIS
Compliments of
Ladies' And Children's Apparel
Zelda Worth, Prop.
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
14
HISTORY OF ST. MARYS CHURCH
Four railroad hand-car trips to Chenoa every
Sunday, rain or shine, hot or cold, were made
by early Catholics to bring the resident Chenoa
pastor to say Mass in Lexington. Services have
been held continuously since Father Sheuren
said the first Mass in 1882. These took place
in the homes of church members until the pres-
ent edifice was erected in 1898. This building
which was remodeled in 1944 was dedicated
to and named for Mary, Mother of God. St.
Mary's is an out-mission of Chenoa and is
served by Father Tom Muleady. Church or-
ganizations now active include the Altar &
Rosary Society made up of the women of the
church and a branch of the International Cath-
olic Youth Organization.
EVANGELICAL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH
The Lexington Class was first organized in
a private home in October, 1838 by the Rev.
Stephen Prezz. In 1841 the charter member-
ship was 41.
The first Church was built in 1842 in the
south part of Lexington. The land and ma-
terial were donated by Rev. & Mrs. Cornell
Flesher. The first church was a frame struc-
ture, built near the Log Cabin in which the
first Class was formed. This was the Cabin of
Uncle Conrad Flesher.
In 1855 the old church was sold and a new
building was erected on the east end of the
lot that is the pi'esent location. In 1877 the
church was moved a few feet west on the lot
and a Sunday School room added to the build-
ing.
In 1899 the building was again moved
farther west to the corner where it now stands
and, a Parsonage was built on the lot east of
the Church.
In 1919 the church was raised and a modern
basement was dug and finished in addition to
stairs and a new entry way.
15
HARDMAN IMPLEMENT
LEXINGTON. ILLINOIS
C.W. NICHOLSON
I.A.A.
INSURANCE SERVICE
Country Life Insurance Co.
Country Mutual Fire Co.
Country Mutual Casualty Co.
Ph. 62R2 Lexington. III.
Lutheran Brotherhood
IS A LEGAL RESERVE LIFE INSURANCE
ORGANIZATION OF LUTHERANS OPER-
ATED BY LUTHERANS, FOR SERVICE TO
ALL LUTHERANS.
MAYNARD W. PETERSON
PHONE 22
Lexington, Illinois
Compliments of
MILES L.WARD
Postmaster
Brooks Garage
And Station
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
Anderson's
Service Station
GROCERIES
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
BILL ADDEMS
CORN SHELLING
AND
GENERAL TRUCKING
108R4
Neal's Garage and Service Station
Francis Neal, Prop.
General Automobile - Tractor Repairing
CONOCO GAS & OILS
Auto Lite Batteries — Firestone Tires
Phone 37 R 2 Lexington, III.
16
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
LUTHERAN CHURCH HISTORY
As Lexington celebrates its Centennial, the
Lutheran Church in our community has had
but one birthday. In April, 1954, the Rev. Cecil
H. Skibbe, pastor of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran
congregation in Yates Township, Chenoa, con-
ducted the first Lutheran service. Sunday
School and Bible classes were begun at the
same time. Through the wonderful interest
and co-operation of the people of the com-
munity' - this venture has proven a wonderful
success. Average attendance at the Sunday
morning worship services is nearing the 100
mark and the average Sunday school and Bible
class attendance is 74.
Mindful of the need, grateful of the intere-st,
and convinced that it could be of some service
to the Lexington community, St. Paul's Ev.
Lutheran congregation decided to expand its
parish to include our community. Three lots
have been purchased at the corner of Cherry
and Chatham Streets. At present services are
being conducted at the school. At this writing
I^lans for a Chapel-Fellowship building are be-
ing prepared and St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran
Parish of Chenoa-Lexington hopes to begin
construction of its building in this Centennial
year.
The Lexington Methodist Chui'ch was organ-
ized in 1840 with the Rev. Pinckard serving as
the first Pastor. Meetings were held in homes,
barns, schools, and very often in groves, until
the l)uilding of the first frame church in 1856
which stood on the site of the present location.
The old frame building was occupied by this
society for a quarter of a century. In 1881 the
brick church now standing was built at a cost
of .$6000. Later in 1885, the par.sonage adjoin-
ing the church on the north was built at an ad-
ditional co.st of $3000. A few of the early pio-
neers deserve mention in the History of this
church. Jacob Spawr, one of the founders of
the church and the first Centenarian of this
community died in 1902. Patrick Hopkins was
active in the early formation of the church.
Emily Smith Van Dolah was ever faithful to
the church and the present Pipe Organ was a
gift from her. Her husband, the late Sheridan
Van Dolah, augmented her gift by donating the
beautiful chandelier that lights the auditorium
today. On March 1, 1856, the church was in-
corporated as the "First Society in Lexington,
McLean Co., 111. of the M. E. Church of the
U.S.A. The first duly elected trustees were J. B.
Ambro.se, L. C. Blake, J. ;\I. Hyre, Henry Hef-
ner, F. A. Goddard, Thos. Fell, Wm. Smith,
Wm. Probst, and Geo. McNaught. In 1864 it
became affiliated with the Central 111. Con-
ference. During the Pastorate of the Rev.
Wooley classrooms were added as well as other
improvements. The parsonage today is apart
from the church on another street. The W.S.-
C.S. is the Women's Organization of the church
ever active for church needs and interests.
The Men as well are organized and assist with
fund raising. Rev. Fred Buchholz is the present
Pastor and Mi's. Buchholz is an able assistant.
17
Thornton - Anderson Inc.
Your Lincoln - Mercury Dealer
Bloomington Phone 76019
The Shield Jewelry Co.
401 N. Main St. Bloomington,
Phone 3417-0
COLFAX - CHEESE CO.
Telephone 1 25
COLFAX. ILLINOIS
Clay Dooley
'THE TIRE MAN'
HANGER'S BOOT SHOP
East Side Square Phone 4-7365
BLOOMINGTON, ILL
OK APPLIANCE CO.
106 S. Center — Bloomington, I
RCA - Zenith - General Electric
TELEVISION
Hot Point Appliances
WATKINS
JEWELRY
NORMAL ILLINOIS
Compliments of
Roof Mfg. Co.
TAKES THE WORK
OUT OF WEEDS
-* «»*»t-ite>y«
PONTIAC, ILLINOIS
TERMS TRADE
STOP 'N' SWAP
HUTSON'S USED CARS
Clean Cars Are Better Buys
1601 S. Main St. — Bloomington
KENNY HUTSON SHERMAN HUTSON
MILLER MUSIC CO.
417 North Main Street
BLOOMINGTON, ILL.
18
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HISTORY
August 1, 1852 the first Presbyterian service
was held in Lexington — a communion service
held in a school house which stood where the
city park is now.
October, 1856, the First Presbyterian Church
of Lexington was organized with eleven char-
ter members by Rev. E. T. Ewing and Rev.
Luther Dodd, who came from the Peoria Pres-
bytery. Rev. Dodd served the church as "stated
supply." He was followed by Rev. James C.
Mahan, Rev. John Elliott and Rev. Robert
Conover. They were followed by Rev. David
R. Love, who was the first regular pastor.
Rev. Conover organized a church at Prairie
Hall which later joined the Salem Church.
When the Salem Church disbanded its mem-
bers joined the Presbyterian Church in Lex-
ington.
In 1867 under the leadership of Rev. Love,
the Presbyterians built a brick building, the
first brick church in Lexington, at a cost of
$5500. In 1954 a large addition and extensive
remodeling was completed.
The longest pastorate was that of Dr. WU-
liam Torrence who served the church for twelve
years. He and his wife were laid to rest in the
Lexington cemetery.
LEXINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
The project of a Public Reading Room for
Lexington took tangible form in November
1895. An executive committee was elected and
a canvass for funds inaugurated. These peo-
ple served on this committee: A. J. Scrogin,
President ; Mrs. L. S. Van Dolah, Vice Presi-
dent; Jesse L. Smith, Secretarv; L. P. Scrogin.
W. H. Claggett, Charles Richardson, Buell
Stevens, Harmon Hefner, R. S. Grier, W. R.
Mahan.
The first Reading Room was upstairs in the
Smith building on Main street. Later it was
moved to a building on the corner of South and
Cedar Streets. The first installation of books
for general circulation was an important event
of 1898. Ernest Scrogin and Bert Franklin
were instrumental in securing funds for the
support of the Library.
The opening of the Smith Public Library on
Dec. 22, 1913 was made possible by the late
Emily Smith Van Dolah. who made provision
jn her will for the building and maintenance
of this much needed public institution. The
second floor of the building is devoted to an
auditoi-ium and club rooms.
In the adult reading room hangs a portrait
of Mrs. Emily S. Van Dolah, painted by Clar-
ence Best, a Lexington boy who achieved fame
as a portrait artist.
Librarians who have served in Lexington
are: Miss Mary V. Gray, Miss Lela Goddard,
Mrs. Ella Doonan, Miss Angle Mahan, Miss
Nellie Brown, Miss Beulah Haushalter, Miss
Frances Hanson, Miss Anna Pierson, Mrs.
Daisy Bishop, Mrs. Hazel Claggett, and Miss
Bessie Smith, the present Librarian.
In 1951 a library district was formed and
the name was changed from Smith Library to
Lexington Public Library.
The present administration of the building
is under the guidance of Emmett Douglass,
Edward Finfgeld and Dr. L. M. Magill. The
Library Board consi.sts of William E. Simpsen,
Mrs. Glenn Kemp, Mrs. Richard Payne, Mrs.
James Killian, and Gordon Dawson.
19
QdL&^t Mi444€. 6a.
--
Records — Sheet Music
Record Players — Radios
Best wishes
1
108 S. Center Bloomington
on your second
Phone 4-4090
lOO Years
GENERAL^ ELECTRIC
PORTRAITS
♦ HAWKINS ♦
STUDIO and CAMERA SHOP
"Where Babies Smile and Big Folks Too"
Developing and Printing * Greeting Cards
Portraits That Almost Speak
214 W. Washington St. Phone 49780
BLOOMINGTON, ILL
Leave Films at Young's Drug Store
General Electric
General Purpose Control
Department
Moore's Luggage
Congratulations on your 100 years
And Book Shop
of success
214 W. Jefferson St. — Bloomington
SKYWAY LUGGAGE • BOOKS
Lewis W. Jones
GREETING CARDS
Established 1851
Insurance Agency
BUCK AND BILL
Your Clothes Friend
111 E. Monroe St.
CTAMM'C
^ 114 N. Center ^
BLOOMINGTON Phone 66435
Bloomington, III.
STYLE — QUALITY
20
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Spawr
Grandparents of N. E. Franklin
N. E. Franklin Home
N. E. Franklin, Sr.
Mrs. N. E. Franklin, Sr.
21
One of Lexington's oldest buildings, the "Beehive,"
built in 1850, was razed in 1949 to make room for
a modern farm shop.
Compliments of
liM lake, (load 9h^
BEER WINES LIQUORS
"Where Friends Meet"
COMPLIMENTS OF
CLARK'S CLOTHING
LADIES' AND MEN'S WEAR
Colfax, Illinois
Phone 26
Custom Hay & Straw Baling
Tiiden L. Seegmlller
H. Leroy Seegmiller
Lexington, Illinois
WM. KAUTH
BLACKSMITH
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
Barcus, Kindred & Co.
Municipal Honas
231 South La Salle Street
CHICAGO 4, ILLINOIS
22
Compliments of
Colfax Block Co.
LIGHT WEIGHT & CONCRETE BLOCKS
Septic Tanks Manufactured & installed
COLFAX, ILL. — PHONE 90
Peoples State Bank of Colfax
COLFAX, ILLINOIS
Member of Federal Reserve System
and Member of F. D. I. C.
Miss Mary Bradford, daughter of Pleasant Hill
pioneers George and Martha Bradford, was edu-
cated at Wesleyan University and then the best
medical schools, for her life work as a medical
missionary. She was located at Tabriz, Persia for
many years.
Cougraiitlatious
To A. Fine Coutmiiuity
ONE BUSHEL
3^NET WT 56 I.BS^*1
{???< AND PROCtSSt^T^ \
^^0 n??.^9SAND Pgy Mt- y
■t> DEVELOPED
prcs
'^'''STER HYBRID COR'*
El pa^o ILLINOIS _,
JOHN KILLIAN
Authorized Dealer
TOWANDA, ILLINOIS
Phone Lexington 330 F 13
23
PAGEANT COMMITTEES
SCRIPT WRITER Mary Barnard
HISTORIAN Helen Patton
DIRECTORS .... Dorothy Cheever, William Haushalter
MUSIC DIRECTORS .... Helen Brown, Joan Seegmiller
DANCES Rae Peine
ORGANIST Helen Brown
SCENERY Orville Shaffer, George Arnold
ELECTRICIAN Ivan Claudon
MAKE-UP . . Forest Watt, Martha Lee Brady, Amy Mool
PROPERTIES COMMITTEE .... Margaret Franklin,
Anne Dawson, lone VanDolah, Ruth Lindsay, Mary Lindsay,
Margaret Young, Agnes Pick, Dorothy Allison, Lillian Kauth,
Gwen Claudon, Dorothy Haushalter, Rena Jones
COSTUMES Fern Musselman,
Kathryn Lindsay, Carrie Dawson, Doris Payne, Violet Hefner,
Louise Carnahan, Laura Nicholson, Leta Claudon, Helen Chris-
tian, Margaret Neal, Ivy Botkin, Frances Schuth, Audrey Lanzer
SUNBONNETS . Monica Beery, Bertha Burlingmair, Helen Peterson
USHERS AND TICKET TAKERS Berdean Freed,
Dorothy Boyd, Mary Lindsay, Grace Bourgerie, Keitha Van
Dolah, Marjorie Worth, Virginia Ling, Orabelle Hardman, Billie
Hyneman, Thelma Watt, Ethel Killian, Myra Price, Agnes Axtell,
Elizabeth Murphy, Juanita Mahan, Juanita Sparks
TICKET SELLERS Claire Beach,
Viola Rediger, Bess Schantz, Bernice Kinsella
CENTENNIAL PAGEANT
PRESENTATION OF COLORS American Legion Post 291
THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER Chorus and Band
TRUMPET FANFARE
PRINCESS ESCORT
CORONATION CEREMONY FIRST NIGHT
ROYAL PROCESSION EACH NIGHT TO THRONE
24
OaiA cMM4iJ/ved yeoAi
Readers — Rev. Clifford Croxford
Rev. Cecil H. Skibbe
Mr. Roland Maas
PROLOGUE
READER:
Welcome to all — we are glad you are here
To help us celebrate our one-hundredth year.
Our history is colorful, — sturdy and strong,
And we are proud that we belong.
Our heritage is rich — from beginning to end
And we're happy to share it with you — our friends.
Close by the Mackinaw River, and a hundred years ago,
Lived two small tribes of Indians, whose names you will
surely know.
For the Kickapoos and the Delawares (about three hundred
in each band)
Had settled down to livelihood on this — our own fair land.
Then white man came to settle — our story began to grow,
And tonight, we are proud to tell it, for we want you
all to know.
Privations were many and the work days long —
And we owe much to our settlers whose faith was strong.
And, because of our forefather's early yearning,
First came the churches, then schools for learning.
Industrial Growth — our railroad too —
Each of these we review for you.
For the pioneer's desire, as he turned prairie sod
Was for growth and learning and need of God.
So bear with us, on each history page.
As we portray facts that belong to each age.
'This is My Country'
Chorus
EPISODE I
1820
JOHN PATTON AND HIS FAMILY ARRIVE ALONG
THE BANKS OF THE MACKINAW RIVER
READER:
It was 1820 when John Patton, vi^ith his wife, Margaret and
their twelve children came, in a covered wagon, across the
plains from Indiana, and, driving along the fertile banks
of the Mackinaw River, suddenly came upon what seemed
to be a deserted Indian village. Only a few squaws were
seen tending a little patch of corn and beans, for the tribes-
men were away on a hunting trip.
Organ
READER:
And so . . . John Patton, the first white settler in Lex-
ington Township, moved into the seemingly deserted wig-
wams. Before long, however, the Indians returned from
their hunt and were greatly displeased to find white man oc-
cupyini; their homes. So great was their displeasure that
a "scalping" seemed in order, but Patton was kind and
because he shared his mechanical genius, his life was spared
and he made friends with the Indians. Later on they helped
John Patton to build his cabin, a part of which still sturdily
stands near the little ghost town of Pleasant Hill, as a silent
memorial to the first white settler in Lexington Township.
John Patton T. M. Patton, a great grandson
Margaret Patton, his wife Mrs. T. M. Patton
Their twelve children all Patton descendents
Sarah (Foster) Esther Wagoner
Cassandra (Wiley) Marie Boyd
Susanna (Messer) Mary Messer Stichter
John John Wiley
William Franklin Hutson
Margaret (Henline) Kathryn Messer Wissmiller
Benjamin Johnny Messer
Jemima (Adams) Dee Ann Douglass
Aaron and Moses (twins) David and Dennis Boyd
Josephine Marcia Bounds
Constantine, the baby A Doll
Indians
Chief of the Delawares George Moore
Chief of the Kickapoos Dick Payne
Medicine Man Ronnie Winterland
Warriors
John Hefner Humbert Vespasian David Peterson
Donald Blakney Kenneth Blakney Raymond Jackson
Eddy Haushalter Donald Cole Darrel Luster
Robert Nehrt Robert Satterfield Paul Claudon
Bill Axtell Joe Palmer Garey Wick
Bill Kauth David Cole
Squaws
Yvonne Moore Arlene Winterland Sharon Buzard
Doris Killian La Verne Cole Payne
Marilyn Purcell Milly Bornder
Indian Children
Rodney Worth Steve Perry
Charles Claudon Ronnie Thomas
EPISODE 2
1826 — 1835
ARRIVAL OF CONRAD FLESHER, JOHN HANER,
AND THE BRUMHEAD FAMILIES
Indian Dancers
READER:
Soon the forest was ringing with the pioneer's axe and great
was the rejoicing whenever a new family arrived at the
settlement. Among those were the Conrad Flcshers, the
John Haners, and the Brumhead family. Isaac Smalley who
25
also came to the Patton settlement, later on laid out the
little town of Pleasant Hill.
Jacob Spawr, prominent in Lexington history, arrived in
the Money Creek area in 1826; Peter Hefner and Melmon
Barnard in 1830, Croghan Dawson in 1832, and Jessie
Trimmer in 1835. D. H. Van Dolah also settled in the Money
Creek timber in 1835 and later became an importer of
French draft horses, making seventeen importations.
Noah Franklin was also an early comer and one of the
principal cattle feeders, shipping 25,000 head of cattle in
his seventy-eight years of experience. George Caldwell also
settled in Lexington Township, arriving here in 1860.
Charles Becker Sr. came to Lexington in 1858.
Albert Dawson settled at Money Creek in 1835 and
Shelton Smith was an early arrival in the Lawndale area.
From these little settlements, many of these families moved
on to Lexington when the town was laid out in 1836 and
became the pioneers of our Home Town.
Organ
Arrival of Settlers
READER:
Both the Kickapoos and the Delawares were now, for the
most part, friendly and even willing to help fight against
Chief Black Hawk. Nevertheless, the settlers were constantly
on the alert for a lurking Indian whose intentions might not
be so friendly. A group of rangers was organized to scout
the area for unfriendly Indians and forts were built up and
down the Mackinaw, one being located south of Lexington.
Such was life in this area one hundred years ago and the
settlers were often entertained by the weird songs and
dances of the friendly Indians.
Indian Dances
Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Flesher .... Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Botkin
Their children Ella Marie Whiteman,
Judy Whiteman, Janet Whiteman, Greg Whiteman
Mr. and Mrs. John Haner Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Clark
Their children Linda Ling, Glenna Ling,
Gregory Peine, Douglas Peine
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brumhead
Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Hefner
Their children Margaret Cheever, John Cheever,
Suzanne Axtell, Kathy Axtell
Indian Dancers Scout Post 51, Lexington
EPISODE 3
1830
OUR FIRST ELECTION
READER:
In the spring of 1830, the Patton settlement held its first
election at the cabin home of John Patton. The judges were
John Patton, Conrad Flesher, and John Henline. John B.
Thompson was elected Justice of the Peace and Henry
Flesher was elected constable. Thus began a noble venture
to maintain law and order in Lexington Township.
Organ
John Patton T. M. Patton
Conrad Flesher Forrest Botkin
John Henline A. P. Schantz
John B. Thompson R. D. Ward
Henry Flesher Clifford Garrett
John Haner Lyle Clark
Joseph Brumhead Harmon Hefner
Other settlers at the election G. Hyle Stichter,
Elmo Winterland, Evyn Barnard, Ben Grimsley,
Richard Wick
EPISODE 4
1886
LEXINGTON IS BORN
READER:
In 1835, '36 and '37, five hundred new towns were laid out
in our State, and about twelve of them were in what is now
McLean County, Lexington being one of those.
On January 14, 1836, Ashael Gridley and James Brown
laid out the little town and named it Lexington. Ashael
Gridley's father had fought with the Minutemen at Lex-
ington, Massachusetts, and James Brown had come from
Lexington, Kentucky, hence the decision for the name of
our settlement.
The original beginning of Lexington proper was the
public square, only twenty rods each way, which was grazing
ground for family cows and livestock.
A few years later, William Lindsay donated, planted, and
personally tended the trees that now form our city park.
This all took place during the great "town lot speculation"
era, and our twelve families were all anxious to claim
property.
Organ
James Brown Robert Haushalter
Ashael Gridley Glenn Watt
William Lindsay .... William Lindsay, Jr., (a great grandson)
Indians — (from Episode 1)
Settlers (from Episodes 1 and 2)
EPISODE 5
1837
SQUIRE JACOB SPAWR,
our first postmaster, delivers the mail, and
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
pays a visit to the Spawr Cabin
READER:
Squire Spawr, as he was known, was Justice of the Peace,
road viewer (or Road Commissioner) a school trustee and
the postmaster. Since he was such a busy person, the post-
office was often located just wherever his duties called him,
and it was no uncommon thing for him to carry the mail
in the crown of his hat and deliver it to people just as he
met them. Mail was received here (at that time) only once
or twice a month.
When Abraham Lincoln, as a young lawyer, was riding
the circuit, he used Lexington as one of his favorite stopping
places and spent many nights at the home of Squire and
Mrs. Spawr and their five daughters. The Spawr home was
a sturdily built house across the street north from the Pres-
byterian church — later moved east of the United Brethren
church and remained standing until recent years.
It was about this time that an anti-slavery society was
formed here, and developed one of the best organized under-
ground railways in our state, helping more than a hundred
slaves to escape into Canada. L. P. Scrogin was instrumental
in aiding the underground, and Mr. Jackson Myers (grand-
father of Mrs. Ann Elder) was a conductor, often hiding
runaway slaves in his own home.
Organ
26
Squire and Mrs. Jacob Spawr Mr. and Mrs. Miles Wai-d
Their five daughters Gloria Maas, Wilma Ralston,
Karen Haushalter, Carol Claudon, Janet Haushalter
Abraham Lincoln William Cheever
READER:
When the death of Abraham Lincoln occurred, the late
Cynthia Lawrence, who was fifteen years old at the time,
went with her father, Isaac Smalley to attend the funeral
services in Springfield.
EPISODE 6
1837 — 1859
OUR EARLY STORES
READER:
A Mr. Carpenter built our first general store which was of
great benefit to the early settlers and merchandise for this
store was hauled in by wagon from St. Louis. The financial
crash of 1837 put Mr. Carpenter out of business and he
was succeeded by Henry Apple who brought his entire stock
to Lexington in a barrel. However, he showed a tendency
to sell "wet goods" and since the people would not tolerate
such, he v/as driven out of town, which was Lexington's
first expression of the Temperance sentiment. Among other
early merchants were Jacob C. Mahan, who set up in busi-
ness in 1851, William Lindsay in 1859, S. R. Claggett in
1865 and John Dawson in 1882, the latter being a son of
Albert and Pernielia Bartholomew Dawson. Also in 1882,
George Hiser opened a hardware store, and in 1880, Philip
and Emi! Haushalter opened a meat market, the former
being a grandfather of Bertram and Robert Haushalter.
Organ
William Lindsay, an early store keeper
William Lindsay, Sr.
Settlers at early store Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Botkin,
Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Hefner,
Mrs. Loretta Smith, Mrs. Inah Hanks, Mrs. Ida Becker,
Mrs. Fern Musselman
EPISODE 7
I860
PIONEER FUNERAL
READER:
Life was hard in those early days and a struggle for mere
existance was a daily battle. With the many privations and
lack of real needs, it was no wonder that so many of our
early comers died young and with little or no way of com-
bating disease they were helpless to save their loved ones.
No wonder our furniture store was advertising so many
hand-made coffins of oak, walnut and cherry, although many
a worthy old settler was laid away in a crude log coffin.
Around 1860 there was a great wave of smallpox and
many a sad funeral procession was seen wending its way
through the settlement.
Organ — Funeral Music
Undertaker Jack Musselman
Driver of early hearse Franklin Hutson
Mourners (on foot) Hugh Freed, Paul Golliday,
Margaret Lauhcr, Karen Beery, Mary Sue Kinsclla,
Ruric Hefner. John Hefner, Mrs. Audrey Lanzer, Linda
and John
EPISODE 8
1854
OUR RAILROAD AND THE FRANKLIN WEDDING
PARTY
READER:
Lexington was now growing, more and more settlers were
arriving and our need for better transportation was evi-
dent. It was therefore, both pride and gratitude that wel-
comed the laying of the rails and many hours of hai'd work
were required to complete the task.
The Laying of the Rails
Chorus
"I've Been Working On the Railroad"
READER:
It was finally on July 4, 1854, when the Chicago and Alton
began its operations through Lexington and the first train
had come up from Blooniington, bringing Noah Franklin
and his bride. The train had taken Mr. Franklin down —
but there was no way to turn it around, and at that time,
the track only came this far, so the train was backed up
from Bloomington to bring Noah Franklin and his bride,
Sarah Spawr Franklin.
One of the wedding guests attempted to raise her parasol
and when the wind whipped it from her hands, the obliging
engineer stopped the train, that she might recover it.
Organ
Workmen laying the Rails George Arnold,
Bernard Worth, Leo Bornder, Orville Tracy, Hugh
Freed, Ronnie Botkin, Roger Paul, Richard Peden
Water boy, Oliver Tilbury Larry Hutson
Noah Franklin, the groom .. Elmo Franklin, Jr., (a grandson)
Sarah Spawr Franklin, the bride .... Mrs. Elmo Franklin, Jr.
Wedding Guests Mr. and Mrs. Ehiio Franklin, Sr.,
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carnahan, Mrs. lone Van Dolah,
Mr. and Mrs. David Van Dolah, Mr. and Mrs. Emora
Hefner, Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Hefner.
Squire and Mrs. Spawr Mr. and Mrs. Miles Ward
Lady Who Loses Her Parasol Mrs. Charles Carnahan
Settlers at "station" to receive wedding guests
Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Seegmiller, Marcia Dawson, Tilden
Seegmiller, Barbara Whitman, Judi Erps
EPISODE 9
1854
AN EARLY SETTLEMENT SCENE
READER:
In spite of their hardships and many privations, our early
settlers had a good wholesome life, and many pleasant
evenings were spent together. Anyone within a radius of
twenty miles was a neighbor and all joined in the fun.
There were spelling bees and husking bees, the latter
proving necessary, as it was a means of getting the corn
shucked and providing entertainment at the same time.
Following the corn husking, usually came some lively dances
which the early settlers, both old and young, seemed to enjoy.
'Shuckin' of the Corn"
Chorus
Square Dancers Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Feit,
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Brucker, Mr. and Mrs. OUie Myers,
Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Freed, Judy Fell, Ronnie PuUiam,
Phyllis Neal, Loren Powell, Tom Vincent, Connie Pul-
liam. Bill Killian, Laurel Christian
Caller Roy Powell
27
EPISODE 10
July 12, 1855
LEXINGTON BECOMES AN INCORPORATED VILLAGE
READER:
Our forefathers were ambitious for growth and organiza-
tion of our little settlement, and the seven members of the
village board met many times during the summer of 1855.
However, it was at the meeting of July 12, when the final
decisions were made and Lexington actually became an
Incorporated village. Excitement ran high that day, as
thirty votes were cast.
This act was to stand as a guiding principle of what we
would like our town to be and tonight we are proud to cele-
brate our achievement and growth in "Our Hundred Years."
John Fulwiler Louis Neldner
Jacob Mahan Douglas Mahan
Malcom Magill Dr. L. M. Magill
G. T. Dement William Simpsen
Croghan Dawson Fred Dawson
Thomas Tipton, clerk Ralph Lanzer
G. W. Knotts, Treasurer Charles Nicholson
EPISODE I I
1857 — 1865
HARD TIMES AND THE CIVIL WAR
READER:
Then came 1857 with hard times and its privations — fol-
lowed by cruel war and its heartaches, and sturdier souls
could not be found than those living within our borders.
With the firing on Fort Sumpter, came the Civil War
which was to take many lives and when President Abraham
Lincoln issued the call to arms, Lexington responded.
"When Johnnie Comes Marching Home"
Chorus
Civil War Soldiers :. Don Cole, John Hefner,
Jim Lindsay, Ronnie Winterland, Ronnie Botkin, Roger
Paul, Dennis Bourgerie, Richard Peden, Thomas Kinsella
Men, Women and Children of the Civil War
Brenda Downes, Margaret Lauher, Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Payne, Mr. and Mrs. Maynard Peterson and family,
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Perry and Phillip, Mr. Ellis
Garrett, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Ralston, Mr. and Mrs. Allen
Gleeson and Anne, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Price, Mrs.
Kay Bourgerie
INTERMISSION
LEXINGTON SONG
(Tune; "Maryland, My Maryland")
Oh Lexington, Dear Lexington,
You fill our hearts with courage.
The early settler's faith was strong.
And we are proud that we belong
To Lexington, Dear Lexington
Forever true your color.
Oh Lexington, Dear Lexington,
Gives us the strength to follow
In footsteps of your noble past.
May we achieve our goal at last
And mindful of your steadfast faith
You point the way to courage.
EPISODE 12
1890 — 1900
"The GAY NINETIES"
READER:
Eighteen hundred ninety was ushered in all over our country
with a flourish and the citizens of Lexington also were en-
joying the new era. We were now fairly well established
and doing a thriving business. The early hardships and
privations were passing and there was more time for laughter
and pleasures.
The race track at the east edge of town provided much
entertainment and was always a popular place with many
from far and near who came to attend the Lexington horse
races.
It was also an era of the "bicycle built for two," the
medicine shows and those lovely, but daring can-can girls.
Truly the nineties were gay.
Tandem Riders Mr. and Mrs. Levin Hyneman
Medicine Show Barker Ralph Stevenson
Crowd of the Gay Nineties .... Mrs. Helen Kiersey (and baby)
Mr. and Mrs. Max Creek and Max Allen, Mr. and Mrs.
Orval Shaffer and Sharol, Mrs. Eugene Allison and
Rozanne, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Freed and family,
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Worth and Rodney, Ilene Beach,
Betty Ralston, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Palmer and Sons,
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Swartz, JoAnn Hinthorn, Shirley
Kinsella, John Brown
The Can-can Girls Kathryn Freed, Shirley Hinthorn,
Sharon Sutter, Judy Hallstein, Marlene Perkins, Carolyn
Maas, Delores Prehm, Lucile Hyneman, Nancy Jones,
Carol Palmer, Miriam Young, Rozanne Allison, Sharon
Bornder, LaVonne Dunn, Judy Fell, Marilyn Hutson,
Patricia Killian
Barber Shop Quartet Gordon Dawson,
Miles Ward, Warren Stephey, Louis Neldner
"Bicycle Built for Two"
Can-can Dancers
Chorus
'French Can-can Polka"
28
EPISODE 13
1907
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION-
READER:
Many a Fourth of July Celebration took place in the City.
Park with speakers of importance on the platform. One
memoi'able such occasion was concluded with a grand dis-
play of moving pictures on Main Street which was free to
all and peoi)le came from miles around to view them. It was
said that Mr. C. W, Shade had the best moving picture
machine in this part of the state, and for a long time, the
only one in McLean County.
Fourth of July Orator Henry Hallstein
Merritt Dawson, on horse Fred Dawson
Crowd at Celebration Same as Gay Nineties Crowd
Showing of silent movie
In listing those who have meant much to our town
throughout the years, the name of Dr. Abbott Goddard
should also be mentioned, since he was Lexington's first
j)hysician and came here in 1836.
His practice e.vtended from Fort Clark (which is now
Peoria) on the west, to Ottawa on the north, and east to
the state line.
Dr. Goddard was a great lilessing to our pioneers of Lex-
ington and rendered a much needed service.
We are also proud to list the following citizens, each
jirominent in their own field of interests. Frank Hyneman
Knight, who is now a Doctor of Economics at the University
of Chicago and also listed in Who's Who.
Milton Hcnline and Ed Kinsella who were associated with
National Baseball Leagues.
Gilbert Elson who served as the Grand Master of the
Odd Fellows Lodge of Illinois.
Elmo Franklin, Sr., an ex-Senator of the State of Illinois.
A. P. Schantz, .Arbitrator of the Illinois Industrial Com-
mission.
Llora Withers Biggs, former soprano of the concert stage,
whom we now proudly present.
"God Bless .America'
Llora Withers Biggs
EPISODE 14
THE ROARING TWENTIES
READER:
Then came the Roaring Twenties, which bring many mem-
ories to our minds.
Our soldier boys had just returned fiom "Over There"
and World War I, and the college boys were swallowing gold
fish for sport. Raccoon coats were all the rage and women
wore ridiculous styles as they danced the ever-popular
"Charleston."
Charleston Dancers Same as Can-can Dancers
EPISODE 15
PARADE OF LEXINGTON FAME
READER:
We have here in Lexington, many of whom we are .justly
proud - - many native sons and daughters who have made
for themselves a name on history's page.
In memoriam we proudly mention the following:
Nettie B. Dement, a long-time teacher in the Lexington
schools, a former County Superintendent of Schools and
listed in Who's Who among history making women of Illinois.
Dr. W. H. Welch, also listed in Who's Who as a prominent
veterinarian.
Dr. Mary Bradford, a well-known medical missionary to
Africa.
W. M. Smith, 2Kth Speaker of the House of Representatives
of the State of Illinois.
Hugh Cassidy and A. J. Scrogin, both members of the
House of Representatives.
Austin H. Scrogin, Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge
of Illinois.
Joseph McNaught, General Councelor for Northern Pacific
Railroad.
Two County Treasurers, Denison and Smith.
EPISODE 16
LEXINGTON'S CONTRIBUTION TO OUR COUNTRY
Organ
READER:
First of all, may we never forget our pioneers who fought
so bravely against the Indians and who so courageously
stood their ground to hold our settlement together. May we
always remember the courage of our forefathers and ever
keep in mind the ones who blazed those early trails for us.
General Jo.seph Bartholomew was an intimate friend of
George Rogers Clark and named our neighboring Clarks-
ville in his honor. General Bartholomew was a scout in the
Revolutionary War, and a hero at Tippecanoe — twice a
General. He died in 1840, twenty years after our first white
settlers came, and is buried in the Clarksville Cemetery.
During the Black Hawk war, many of our settlers served
as rangers to scout the unfriendly Indians, and nine of Lex-
ington settlement lost their lives in this service.
The annexation of Texas and the consequent war with
Mexico again called upon oiir settlers and General Ashael
Gridley (who had also served in the Black Hawk war) was
again in command.
Then came the Civil war and history books tell us that
two hundred and seventy-five citizens of Lexington area
answered the call to the Colors, many of whom died while
serving their country.
In 1898, Lexington again responded to the call for military
duty and tonight we i)roudly present our only living Spanish-
American War veteran, William H. Goddard,
Introduction of William II. Goddard
READER:
Many of our native sons went away to World War I, World
War II and again to the Korean conflict. We can never do
enough to lepa.v all of our brave lads for their services and
we especially mention those who gave their lives while in
the service of their country.
29
World War I
Elmo F. Hill (and for whom our Legion Post is named)
Clyde Allison John Jenkins
Earl Brown Roy Mitchell
William Golliday Clarence Weakley
World War II
Ormond K. Siron
William Ervin
Elmer Hastings, Jr.
Raymond Kendall
Raymond Leake
Myron Ricketts
Warren Warmouth
Bernie Underwood
Simon Wonderlin
" Morse Campbell
Royal Stivers
Eugene Lightfoot
Edwin Carter
Let us pause in silent tribute to the memory of Lexington's
war dead.
Taps Laurel Christian
Our Lutheran Church which was founded in 1864 is also
growing and at the present time is preparing to build a
fine new church across the street north from this field.
We have come a long way from that first church of our
pioneer days. Our faith has carried us far and we are proud
to present the ministers of Lexington's seven churches.
Evangelical United Brethren Church .. Reverend Loren Miller
Methodist Church Reverend Fred Buchholz
Baptist Church Rev. Arthur Charsky
Presbyterian Church Reverend Clifford Croxford
Christian Church Revei'end C. A. McGinnis
St. Mary's Catholic Church .... Reverend Fr. Thomas Muleady
Lutheran Church Reverend Cecil H. Skibbe
READER:
We are also pleased to present a native son, whose voice is
often heard today in the sanctuary.
"The Lord's Prayer" .... Dayle Garrett
EPISODE 17
OUR CHURCHES
READER:
Determination to win and courage to face early hardships,
were closely linked with religious ideals and that there
might be no ungodly men and women, the early pioneers
were quick to see the need for religious groups. The first
such group in Lexington Township was a Methodist class
in the cabin home of John Patton. However, within the
settlement itself, the United Brethren people were the first
to organize a group and for a number of years, church
services were held in private homes, in barns or in groves
attended by both Methodists and United Brethren.
Ten years after white man came, the United Brethren
people built a church. We wish to dedicate the early church
scene to the high ideals fostered by the religious pioneers
of Lexington.
Early Church Scene
"Faith of Our Fathers"
Early Congregation
An early Minister Reverend Loren Miller
Congregation of early church taken from Chorus
— Song leader — Nina McCully
Pictures of Present-day Churches taken by Ralph Woolard
"God of Our Fathers" Chorus
READER:
The Methodists continued meeting in homes until 1855, when
they erected their first church under the guidance of Rev-
erend Gregg. They, too, are celebrating their one hundredth
year.
The Baptists organized in 1856 with Reverend William
Branch as their first pastor and so they, too, will be celebrat-
ing a centennial next year.
The Pi-esbyterian Church was founded in 1856 and will
also be one hundred years old next year. The new brick
church was built in 1867, to which extensive alterations and
additions have been made from time to time.
Three years later in 1859, the Christian Church became a
leality and the new brick building was erected at the turn
of the century.
Our St. Mary's Catholic Church was built in 1898 during
the time of Father O'Callaghan. Mass was held before that
time in the homes of the members.
EPISODE 18
OUR SCHOOLS
READER:
Lexington's first school was a little log shanty in the woods
south of town.
Mr. Sheldon was the first teacher and Delaware Indian
children sat on the crude log benches beside the children
of our white settlers.
The teacher himself was barely able to give instruction
and the only equipment was a bundle of birch switches. And
yet, some of our competent business men, judges, and legis-
lators received their early education in this type of school.
Early School Scene
Mr. Sheldon, the early teacher Fred S. Rabe
Delaware Indian children Rodney Worth,
a late comer, Steve Perry; Ronnie Thomas, Vicky Tracy,
Charles Claudon
White children Janet Whiteman, Judy Whiteman,
Glenna Ling, Linda Ling, Gregory Peine, Margaret
Cheever, John Cheever
READER:
In the 1840's school was held in a little building near the
park and other classes were taught over Rowley's Tin Shop.
In 1850 our first public school house was built in the
public square. Up to this time, schools had been managed
on the subscription plan, but when the railroad came through
in 1854 our school system began to grow and was maintained
by public taxation from then on.
We had the West Primary, the East Primary, and an early
High School upstairs in the Kent building, long since torn
down.
The tall, old brick building at the south-east edge of town,
built in 1865, was again outgrown and replaced in 1896 by
the building which burned on April 1, 1914. At that time
we had the present High School building which was built
in 1912. Then came the new Lincoln Grade School. Later on,
a new, modern industrial arts and agriculture building and
more recently the fine new building to join the grade school
and high school buildings.
30
A large modern gymnasium furthers our athletic needs
and the work of our physical education department.
Art, literature, languages, commerce, industrial arts, and
many fields of progress are now the privileges of our schools.
Music is no longer a luxury, but a great necessity in the
lives of our school children,
"Booster March" ...... Klein
"Trombrero" ....... Coficid
Trombone Trio
Jim Lindsay. Ronnie Winterland, Dale Ralston
Redwood Overture ...... Coficid
Lexington Unit School Band
READER:
Ours is fundamentally an agricultural community and
we have made much progress since those early days. We
proudly present our Future Farmers and our Future Home
Makers.
Ronnie Winterland
Ronald Pulliam
Richard Peden
Al Killian
James Mohr
George Fell
Ronnie Klein
Richard Corbin
Parade of Animals
Ronnie Botkin
Charles Berry
Don Perkins
Tommy Vincent
James Morrison
Larry Hutson
Eddie Feit
Loren Powell
Bill Killian
Hershel Wahls
Richard Wahls
James Payne
Jim Lindsay
Don Pei'kins
Ronnie Bays
Parade of Styles
Lucille Hyneman Marilyn Purcell
Barbara Ringenberg
Linda Wilson
Diane Sutter
Brenda Downes
Patricia Killian
Juanita Wilson
Mary Sue Kinsella
Florence Slown
READER:
Now with the consolidation of our country schools, curs has
become a well-organized unit and again, we have come a long
way from that first log house in the woods south of town.
We are proud of our school system, our teachers, our
children, and our modern school transportation.
Parade of School Busses
Bill Add.jms
Allen Gleeson
Wallace Muoselman
Robert Ralston
George Eads
Jack Musselman
Elmo Page
Bernard Worth
EPISODE 19
INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS
READER:
Our first farmers raised corn and beans and like their Red
neighbors depended largely upon wild game for food.
Early farm implements were crude, but with the coming
of the railroad, came better plows and better means of har-
vesting the grain. Before the railroad, our grain was hauled
by wagon to Peoria and Chicago.
And so -- down through the years, we have seen much
progress in farm machinery and methods of farming.
Parade of Farm Implements
"Where in the World But in America"
Chorus
Our early transportation was slow, but that, too, has seen
many changes and improvements with each passing year
and from that first covered wagon to the 1955 streamlined
car, Lexington has always kept in pace with the times.
Parade of Vehicles
EPISODE 20
THE SPIRIT OF LEXINGTON
"America Our Heritage" ..... Chorus
First White Settler in Lexington Township John Patton
(T. M. Patton)
Youth of Tomorrow Johnny Brown
READER:
Lexington is the oldest town in McLean County in its
original position and with its original name. Ours has been
a rich heritage with years of struggle and hardship, but
noble years of which we are justly proud. As we celebrate
our one hundredth anniversary, we turn our faces to the
second century and look forward with faith in our youth of
Today, who will be our leaders of Tomorrow.
We look back with great pride in our hearts for those who
founded Lexington.
Now in 1955, in all sincerity and humility, we feel that
there are unlimited possibilities for noble deeds and worthy
actions which could well rival the deeds and actions of our
early settlers.
Let us all look forward to a bright future of achievement,
service, and progress for Lexington, for America, and for
the world.
"Battle Hymn of the Republic"
THE END
Chorus and Band
In Appreciation
The pageant committee wishes to express sincere
appreciation to all who have so kindly given of their time,
their talents, properties, and costumes in the production of
our Centennial Pageant.
Any omissions or errors are unintentional and sincerely
regretted.
31
MEMBERS OF THE CHORUS
Alice Wick
Vancell Waters
S'monne Elder
Janice Elder
Alice Miller
Sharon Mangle
Mary Kinsella
Sandra Stone
Margaret Lauher
Patricia Larkin
Gloria Maas
Linda Wilson
Carolyn Tracy
Carolyn Maas
Genie Blakeney
Phyllis Tracy
Arlene Winterland
Amelia Gleeson
Wilnia L. Woolard
Dallas Myers
Chris Poppe
Hampton Botkin
Soprano
Virginia Steen-
bei'gen
Mary Bounds
Norma Ingle
Nina McCully
Christena William;
Mary Dunlap
Mabelle Pample
Clara Bruninga
Yvonne McKeown
Alto
Virginia Hardt
Adelheid Poppe
Ella Wright
Audrey Lanzer
Harriett Wiley
Evelyn Gleeson
Erma Ward
Amy Mool
Elizabeth Worth
Tenor
Royal Whitman
Albert Thomas
Gene Wright
Bass
Edwin Sparks Miles Ward
Dr. L. M. Magill Rev. C. Croxford
W. C. Lindsay, Jr. John Brown
Benny Klein
Blanche Van Dolah
Minerva Adreon
Betty Ralston
Ilene Beach
Shirley Swartz
Alice Stephey
Pauline Arnold
Betsy Nicholson
Esther Maas
Dorothy J. Lindsay
Miriam Young
Shirley Kinsella
Betty Ralston
Dorothy Bose
Mary Lindenbaum
Frances Schuth
Gordon Dawson
Rev. Loren Miller
John Wiley
Warren Stephey
George Malcom
David Van Dolah
32
MARBEN'S
MEN'S AND BOYS' STORE
Front and Center
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
Compliments of
Reea Atlas Sales Inc.
Bloomington, 111.
H. E. REED, Pres.
Flick's KO-Z Island Grill
Across from Union Station
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
KenneH Murray and Co.
HARRY HENNESSY
Hogs Bought Every Day Except Saturday
PHONE 4-3055
WEST MILLER STREET — BLOOMINGTON, ILL.
"Sell Where They Nef More"
Phone 3-7010 Prompt Delivery
Prairie Feed and Grain Co.
Purina Chows — Feed Ingredients
907 E. Grove St.
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
Henry Klafke Ralph Westfall
DIAMONDS WATCHES
Hoxworth's Jewelry
205 W. Washington St.
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
Expert Watch Repairing Costume Jewelry
SIX POINTS IMPLEMENT CO.
Ford Tractors — Dearborn Equipment
South Morris Avenue at 66
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
Air Conditioned Phone 2803-0
Q^ieen Milt Gcuj^
CENTRAL ILLINOIS MOST BEAUTIFUL
DINING ROOM
212 W. Washington Bloomington, III.
33
Meiners Soil Service, Inc.
"A Complete Service"
Soil Testing - Limestone - Phosphate
Anhydrous Ammonia - Mixing and
Blending Fertilizers in Bulk or
Bag - Liquid Fertilizers
Phone 73
COLFAX, ILLINOIS
Compliments of
FUNK'S G. HYBRID
FIELD SEEDS
SOYBEAN PRODUCTS
FUNK BROS. SEED CO.
Bloomington, Illinois
HAROLD SIRON
Authorized Dealer
Lyle Holloway Prop.
B,
eer
wi
nes
Liq
uors
34
PONTIAC LIVESTOCK SALES
TRAINOR BROS. - OWNERS
PONTIAC, ILLINOIS
Phone 6724
BARN LOCATED ON ROUTE 116
Sale! Every Monday
12:30 P.M.
Up to 20"^^' More Horsepower
For Your Tractor
With
M & W ADD-POW'R PISTONS
• Larger Diameter
• Compression For Today's Fuels
• Chrome Top & Oil Rings
• 30% Longer Trouble Free Service
Mfgrs. of
9-Speed Transmissions
Live Pow'r P.T.O. Clutches
Live Hydraulic Systems
Quick Action Governors
SEE YOUR LOCAL TRACTOR DEALER
"Where Engineering Science Serves You'
M 6- W Gear Co. Inc.
ANCHOR, ILLINOIS
JACK AND JILL
of Bloomington
INFANTS' AND CHILDREN'S WEAR
111-113 N. Center St. Phone 6425-0
3164-0 Wholesale and Retail 4149-5
Electric Motor Repair Co.
Electric Motors — Sales and Service
Eugene C. Struck
223 E. Front Street Bloomington, III.
Congratulations Lexington
For Fine Offset Printing . . .
McKnight & McKnight
PUBLISHERS • LITHOGRAPHERS
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
. . . Pfione 7-6075
-::^.
Dr. Charles T. Gray, first dentist in Lexington
Settled here from Virginia in 1 855
35
Compliments of
Bloomington Tobacco Co.
109 West Grove
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
Wholesale Tobacco Products, Candy
and Sundries
Compliments of
HICKSGAS
BOTTLE AND BULK SERVICE
Location of Plants:
Colfax, Bloomington, and Pontiac
For Lake Frontage
LOTS
See
(J la ire Reece
214 E. Front St. Phone 5-8315
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
Call Us See Us For
Drapes — Blinds — Shades
Carpets — Aluminum Awnings
Knighi's Window Shoppe
218 E. Front St., Bloomington, III.
Best Wishes!
Paxton Typewriter Co.
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
Compliments of
AUCTIONEER
36
LITTLE LEAGUE — PONY LEAGUE
BASEBALL EQUIPMENT
Bats — Gloves — Balls
Uniforms, Lettered T-Shirts & Caps
Bailey & Himes, Inc.
"Home o-f Great Names in Sports"
Manufacturer & Distributor
AT WHOLESALE PRICES
Phone 6-1341
606 E. Green CHAMPAIGN
Best Wishes for a Successful Anniversary
FORBES
Sound Service
Phone 9-4535
Electronic Engi}jeers
124 E. Beaufort St. NORMAL, ILL.
PeapJed fianh
Where You re Always Welcome
OUR 86TH YEAR
Member
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Producers Stockyards
LaFayette Street and I. C. R. R.
Phone 2013-0
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
Master Mix Feeds
Compliments of
WALTONS
Livingston County's Most Complete
Department Store
FAIRBURY. ILLINOIS
37
Meiners Grain & Seed Co.
Arcady Feeds Fertilizer
Fencing Swift Feeds
Custom Grinding & Mixing
Growers and Processors for the
Wholesale Trade
Phones 31 or 11
ANCHOR - ILLINOIS
COMPLIMENTS OF
GENE ALLISON
Compliments of
312 N. MAIN BLOOMINGTON. ILL
Compliments
Little Boss Dairy
NORMAL ILLINOIS
CAMERA CRAFT STUDIO
117 North Street
NORMAL, ILLINOIS
ROWE
Construction Company
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
1523 West Market Street BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
Since 1925 Producers of Road Gravel - Sand and Gravel Contractors - General Road
Construction - Bulldozer Work - Farm Drainage - Earth Moving
Farm Tiling - Concrete Excavation - Back Fill
Sewer-Water - Farm Ponds
38
When in Hloominjiton or Normal — Visit
LUTZ MARKETS
Modahl& Scott, Inc.
READY-MIXED CONCRETE
ERUIT MARKET
1409 So. Main, Bloomington
An Open Air Fruit and Vegetable
Market With All the Seasonal Items!
BUILDING MATERIALS
SUPER MARKET
1203 So. Main, Normal
Hloomin^ton, III. Phone 52255
Buy the Certified Way and Save!
A Complete Grocery and Market
We Specialize in Melons, Berries, Apples,
Peaches, Tomatoes, Potatoes, and
Christmas Trees in Season
GRADE A MILK AND DAIRY
Best Wishes
PRODUCTS
Normal Sanitary
Towancia Grain Co,
Dairy
Cooperative
Delicious Ice Cream
TASTE THE DIFFERENCE
TOW AN DA, ILLINOIS
39
B
anner
Bread
AT
HAUSHALTER'S
FRESH DAILY
Regardless of the occasion, you're sure
to find the perfect fashion for you from
our wonderful collections. You always have
twice as many to choose from at Roland's.
^oi^Mc(A
A STORE OF FASHION
LEXINGTON CENTENNIAL
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
July 10 through 17, 1955 — 'Our Hundred Years'
With pride, we salute the community of Lexington at this time of cele-
bration, recognizing your one hundred years . . . and wishing, as you embark
on the second hundred, that the future holds all of fhose things that you plan
for it.
At Bloomington Federal, we can't match your years, but with a certain
amount of pride, we too like to point to the record we have made over the
years. At this time we particularly wish to invite you to get acquainted with
the friendly services we offer. We encourage you just to drop by and say hello.
Bloomington Feaeral
Savings ana Loan Association
Conveniently Located at 105 N. Center Street, Bloomington, III.
40
Mr. Peter Jenkins was 93 years old May 1, 1955. He came
to Lexington in 1832 from Virginia. He was the father of 2
children. His son Elza Jenkins lives south of Lexington.
Mrs. Belle Brown, wife of Newton Brown (now deceased)
was born Dec. 31, 1864 at Arrowswith, III. and has lived
all her life in McLean County and has spent 67 years in
Lexington Township. She now resides with her daughter Leta
in North side town. At age of 90 years she is very active
about her home and flower garden.
Mrs. Jennie Paul, wife of late Frances Asbury Paul was born
Southeast of Lexington on a farm March 17, 1863 and moved
to town when 4 years old. She was mother of 4 children.
She has 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She lives
in East end of town alone in her home with her son John
Paul and family next door who care for her. The Governor
and wife of Illinois sent her congratulations on her 92nd
birthday this year.
Mr. Louis Hampton Botkin was born at McDowell, Vir-
ginia, Jan. 22, 1868. He come to Lexington, III. Feb. 24,
1886. He has lived and farmed within four miles of Lexington
all these years. Mr. Botkin has been a member of the Lex-
ington Methodist Church for 61 years and a member of the
church choir for 32 years. He is the oldest living male mem-
ber of the church today.
41
Comp/ttnenis oj
EUREKA WILLIAMS COMPANY
(DIVISION OF HENNEY MOTOR COMPANY, INC.)
BLOOMINGTON. ILLINOIS
j04t AfOuA .p/ui iOO AfeCiA4.
May we serve you during your next 100 years with our complete
Hue of clothing and sportswear for both men and women
r=^
Open Friday Nites Free Parking Lot
NORMAL, ILLINOIS
42
Compliments of
Chenoo Milling Co.
"MORRIS' BEST FEEDS"
Phone 38 Chenoa, III.
Wagner Stone Co.
Agricultural Limestone and Road Rock
CONCRETE MATERIAL
7 Miles South of Pon+iac — U. S. Route 66
Eppards Point Phone 2L42
R. R. No. 5
PONTIAC, ILLINOIS
STOLLER FARM SUPPLY
NATIONAL BANK
OF CHENOA
CHENOA, ILLINOIS
COMPLETE BANKING SERVICE
FOR THIS COMMUNITY
CHENOA, ILLINOIS
Congratulations to the
Community of Lexington
CW. Parry & Son
GRAIN — COAL
FUEL OIL — SEED — FERTILIZER
Chen
oa,
Phone 24
43
People Who Always Want the Best in Everything
Always Get It Here —
Dewai Hotel & Tavern
CHENOA. ILL.
VODER'S LOCKER PLANT
Complete Slaughtering Service
Chenoa, III. Phone 2 J
Glen Kauth Repair Shop
BLACKSMITH — WELDING
Trailers, Tanks, & Hog Baths
Chenoa, 111. Phone 184
CHENOA FLOWER SHOP
Invites you to visit our new Flower Shop
Flowers, Plants, Shrubs, Trees
Corsages Made to Order
CHENOA, ILLINOIS
Boles-Hoover Motor Co.
Dodge & Plymouth Cars
Dodge Trucks
Chenoa, III. — Phone 1 50J
Tinges Sales & Service
Complete Overhaul and Tune-up on All Makes
CHENOA. ILL. — PHONE 34
Pontiac Cars — G.M.C. Trucks
ELVIB O. COOPER
INSURANCE — SURETY BONDS
REAL ESTATE
CHENOA, ILL PHONE 94-W
Compliments of
NOE MOTOR CO.
"Your Friendly Ford Dealer"
Chenoa Phone 22R2
BOLES HARDWARE
Dri-Gas Home Heating Appliances
CHENOA PHONE 6
Ike
Ho. jo.
KAPPA, ILLINOIS
Open on Sundays
Bliss Farm Service
Complete Fertilizer Service
Corn Moving
Phone 46 13 Cooksville, 111.
THf. FROLICS
Fresh Shrimp Cocktails
Sandwiches
COLD BEER LIQUORS
KAPPA, ILLINOIS
Home Cooking — Home Made Pies
COFFEE 5c AIR CONDITIONED
On Highway 24 GRIDLEY, ILL.
44
Chenoa Grain Company
S'lKVFS
CASH GRAIN BUYERS
GRAIN STORAGE
CAFE
U. S. Bonded Warehouses
CHENOA — BALLARD
INTERSECTION CITY 66 & 24
CHENOA. ILL.
Phone 21 R
UNION ROOFING COMPANY
THE FINEST STEAKS
BETWEEN
CHICAGO & ST. LOUIS
CHENOA, ILLINOIS
Roofing of All Kinds, Insulation, Wall, Floor Tile
Plumbing, Heating, Guttering, Siding,
Appliances, also Sales and Service of all
TVs and Radio's We sell Parts, Philco. Crosley,
Emerson, General Electric
Phone Collect for Free Estimation
or Information
C. T. HOSELTON. Mgr.
Harms Radio Service
Frigidaire Appliances
Authorized Service
Chenoo Stone Co.
R.C.A. RADIO and TV
Gifts and Housewares
CHENOA, ILLINOIS
Chenoa, III. Phone 10
3 Miles North of Chenoa and Va Mile East
On Route 66
Concrete Aggregates
Road Rock — All Sizes
Agricultural Limestone
Phone Ocoya 43
Compliments of
RICH'S TAP
CHENOA, ILL.
We Feature Michelob on Tap
We Have Air Conditioning and Television
4
5
The Birlingmair family came from Chillicofhe, III. fo Lex-
ington, having purchased 100 acres 3'/2 miles North of
Lexington which has been in the family since 1868, and 160
acres have been added in recent years. The parents had 5
children: Joseph, wrho died at age 93; Henry, 91; Anna, 91;
and Leonard, 81 . One sister Christine lives in Lexington.
Mrs. Minnie Claggett, aged 92, was born Jan. 31, 1863
in Money Creek Township. Daughter of Josiah and Lucy
Biggs, early settlers of McLean County. She married R. T.
Claggett January 24, 1884.
Mrs. Grace Riggs, 93, was a daughter of General
Franklin and Clara Dement Franklin.
Her living descendants are two grandchildren, Frances
Baldwin and George Riggs.
She was always an active member of the Christian Church.
She now resides in Meadows.
Miss Eleanor Pierson was born January 16, 1865 on the
Pierson farm east of Pleasant Hill. She moved with her
mother to Lexington in 1901. She made her home here until
1919 when she went to the home of her sister, Mrs. M. L.
Douglas four miles southwest of Colfax. She returned to
Lexington in the summer of 1927 buying the property which
was her home until September 1 952 when she went to reside
in the Meadows Mennonite Home
46
Benjamin and Mary Ann Patton
Aaron Patton
-Til''
Patton Blockhouse and Cabin in 1832
The first house in Lexington township was erected in the summer of 182'J by John Patton, a native of
Kentucky. He had spent the previous winter at John Dawson's in Old Town. In the spring some fur traders
from Ft. Clark, now Peoria, told him of a fine location at a Kickapoo town near the Mackinaw river and Patton
immediately packed up and started for the place which he found deserted. There were two or three dozen pole
cabins and he took possession of the best of them and proceeded to make himself at home. In a few days
however he saw coming over a southern trail a long string of 150 Indians; they wei'e coming single file and
were just getting home from their winter's hunt.
They were not at all pleased when they saw a stranger in possession of their best cabin but decided to tol-
erate him when they found he could mend their guns and later he won their friendship. When the heavy
timbers for the Patton log house were ready to be put in place the Indians helped ))Ut them in position.
The house when completed was a double log cabin a story and a half high. There were two rooms below
20 feet square with a hallway between 10 by 20 feet. A wide porch ran along the entire south side of the build-
ing. Each room was supplied with a fireplace with deep cupboards of walnut placed on either side. It was
considered a most comfortable and commodious home when completed. From this start came Selma or Pleasant
Hill. This log cabin is still standing on the James Pierson estate at the southeast corner of Selma.
Several descendents of John Patton live in Lexington. Descendents of his granddaughter, Mrs. Sarah
Bishop and her son George Bishop and family reside here. Tilden Patton, prominent Lexington business man,
is a great grandson of the earliest pioneer.
47
Comphments
of
Kemp Grain
Co,
& Feed Mill
Ph. 45
Texington, III.
Qo4fi/piUii^e4^
4
OUUuoii
Pawe^
GoM/pXUU^
48
HISTORY OF PLEASANT HILL
The development of this community sprang from the
coming, in 1829, of John Patton, who chose a spot about
one-half mile east of Pleasant Hill for his log cabin home.
Isaac Smalley, pioneer teacher, preacher and farmer who
came to the community in 1838 had a surveyor, Mr. R.
Bullock, make a plat of Pleasant Hill in 1840. The name of
the village was suggested by Mrs. Milton Smith and chosen
by Mr. Smalley. Because a town in Southern Illinois had
previously adopted this name, government authorities pre-
vailed on the inhabitants to have their post office called
"Selma."
By 1847 Pleasant Hill was the largest town in McLean
County, outside of Bloomington. The first grist mill was built
in 1831 by John Patton and John Haner, Sr. on land later
known as the Stephen Finley farm. This was a horse-power
mill. The first saw mill was built by John Patton in 1836 on
the North bank of the Mackinaw, Section 21, and was run
by water power. In 1851 a steam mill was built and known
as the Goddard Mill.
A cabinet shop was built by Joseph Patton, about V2 mile
east of the village on land later owned by the Windle Sisters.
A wagon shop was conducted by Job Denning. Early black-
smith shops were operated by Cornelius Palmer, Jacob Brown
and others a little later by John Palmer, Patton Wilson, etc.
In 1830 a Methodist class was organized at the home of
John Patton, John Brumhead being the class leader. The
M. E. Church was erected in 1847. Rev. Stephen R. Begg
was the first located Methodist minister in town.
In 1837 a United Brethren church was built.
The first school house was built in 1832 on the N. W.
quarter of Sec. 21. First teachers were Mrs. Delilah Den-
ham and A. J. Flesher. Children of school age numbered
82 in 1842 — and 210 by 1852.
The log school house was discarded and a frame house
moved from Lexington to Pleasant Hill and converted into
a school building, about 1843. It had seats, desks, and a
large box stove. Then in 1847 a two-story building was
erected and called an Academy.
Pleasant Hill organized a Library Association in 1858
— the first in the county outside of Bloomington.
During the Civil war period this town was noted for being
one of the stations of the famous Underground Railroad,
where many slaves were conducted, hidden and transported
on to other places. Among the other early settlers and
merchants not mentioned above were William Bratton, Enoch
and Foster, George Webster, H. W. Underbill, Claggett and
Mahan, G. M. Fox, W. D. Johnson, George Bradford, Rant
Jenkins, Absalom Bills, Newton Denning, Samuel Paul, H.
Foster, Joseph Enoch, Scott Arnold, and G. H. Edwards;
also Matthew Adams, Moses Cochran, Dr. J. W. Waters,
Dr. Dooley, and Dr. D. T. Douglass.
Cynthia Smalley Lawrence
Girls' Seminary. Pleasant Hill
49
Old block house that stood west of Lexington. Built in 1S33 for
protection against Indians.
Fort Bartholomew was built in I 832 by Gen. Joseph Bartholomew, a distinguished
Indian fighter, and was located five miles northwest of Pleasant Hill, in section
13, Money Creek Township, on land later owned by Mrs. J. B. Dawson, just six
rods southeast of the residence. Nothing remains to mark this historic spot.
The fort was built of green logs from the timber nearby, size 20 x 30, the upper
story projected so shots could be fired from the top should the enemy try to
scale the walls or kindle a fire. The fort, as a means of defense, was never made
use of. Sen. Bartholomew was a man of means and Influence, owning large
tracts of land here, and to him we are indebted for blazing the way in the com-
munity. Hero of Tippecanoe, fought in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812
and the Blackhawk War, he lies buried in the Clarksville cemetery.
50
Malcolm Magill, father of Dr. L. M. Maqiil came to Lexington
from Pennsylvania before the Civil War. He went into
partnership with A. G. Woodard and together they built
wagons, plows and buggies. He was on the first town council
and a member of the first school board. His death occurred
in 1873.
Mary Jenkins Weakley was born in Virginia June 2, 1864.
Come to Lexington when around 16 years of age. Married
to John Hutcheson in Lexington Nov. 16th, 1884. To this
union was born 3 children. A boy, John Jr., and a daughter
Carrie passed away at the age of 3. A son Alex makes his
home with his mother. Mr. Hutcheson passed away July 18,
1912.
Viola Flesher Murphy was born in Money Creek Township
in 1864, a daughter of John and Catharine Flesher. She
married Edward Murphy in 1883. They were the parents
of two children, one deceased. A son, Eldon Murphy (Pot)
is with the State Highway Patrol. There are two grand-
children and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Murphy passed
away in 1934. Mrs. Murphy lived on a farm all her life until
1 890 when she moved to Lexington where she still lives.
Landmark, built in 1899 by D. H. Van Dolah
51
Main Street — 1893
Main Street — 1955
52
Louis Smith
It shaves bristles off
a hairbrush tougher than any whiskers.
It shoves the fuzz
off 0 peach without irritation.
Our
Tnanks
To
REMINGTON
ELECTRIC SHAVERS
For Tne Prizes Tney Have Uouaiea
COMPLIMENTS OF
J. A. MURRAY
53
WATT & PIRKEY STORE
Merchandise sold by merchants in 1847 cost the consumer as follows:
'/2 bu. meal l2'/2 cents
Deer skins $1.50
Venison 4 cents a pound
Bacon 02 a lb.
Potatoes 25 per bushel
Hind ground beef 02'/2 lb.
Pair boots $1.00
Flour 01 lb.
Butter 10 lb.
Eggs 05 dozen
New wagon $80.00
I doz. prairie hens .52
Calico 121/2 yd.
Side combs 05
Labor worked for 25c per day.
Board was $8 per month.
Corn l2'/2 bushel
Cows sold for $7.
In 1849 I yoke oxen sold for $50.
Lexington Restaurant in Days Gone By
54
r---
Fernwood Fells
Fernwood Fells Log Cabin
Livery Stable — 1892
55
Burroughs
Gibson's Sporting Goods
Plumbing & Heating Co.
MERCURY MOTORS, BOATS
LENNOX GENERAL ELECTRIC
BICYCLES
AIR CONDITIONING
& HEATING
Phone 7292-0 1307 So. Main
NORMAL. ILLINOIS
Normal, III.
Cooks ville Grain Co.
Grain, Coal & Fertilizer
PHONE 252 COOKSVILLE, ILL.
56
YOUNG'S DRUG STORE
Orville J. Young, R. Ph.
Lexington, Illinois
Compliments of
Lexington, Illinois
Jio4ue^ R,ec/ueati04€ <JtaU
Lexington, Illinois
Downes Sales & Service
Authorized Dealers
New Idea — Mossey-Harris
Phone 178 - Lexington, III.
L. M. MAGILL D. D. S.
Lexington. Illinois
Simpsen Body Shop
WM. F. SIMPSEN, Prop.
Celebrating a Quarter Century of Business
in Lexington
COMPLIMENTS OF
DR. S. W. AXTELL
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
Welcome friends from far and near
to help us celebrate this year
Rill and MaMf (^ch^ni
SELECTED WINES — BEER — LIQUOR
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
57
J. A. MURRAY
JEWELER
Lexington, Illinois
ART ODELL
SHOE STORE
Lexington, Illinois
Dunlap Repair Service
DRI-GAS
Lexington, Illinois
Compliments of
W. E SCOTT, M.D.
Lexington, Illinois
FASKING SERVICE
AUTO BODY REPAIRS
Lexington, Illinois
ROY COURTNEY
HEATING
Lexington, Illinois
Hihhs Grocery
Featuring
BLUE RIBBON FOODS
Lexington, Illinois
T F. ROBINSON
General Trucking
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
WM. R. DODSON
Rock Phosphate and Fertilizer
GENERAL HAULING
Lexington, Illinois
A. W. Swartz and Sons
Hatchery & Farm Supplies
Office Phone 252 Night Phone 254
Lexington, Illinois
Sanitary Supply
VINCENT GERWICK
HEATING. PLUMBING, SHEET METAL WORK
Phone 6 Lexington, Illinois
Compliments of
GILBERT EADES
Limestone — Phosphate — Rood Rock
Delivered and Spread
Lexington, Illinois
Geo. Malcom
Corn Shelling & Trucking
Phone 231 Lexington, 111.
A-Fi Printing Co.
BUSINESS STATIONERY
OFFICE FORMS
Lexington, Illinois
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
Wanda Meeley
58
Old Waterworks
New Waterworks
59
WILLIAM CARLYLE LINDSAY
Grandfather of William C. Lindsay, Sr.
Planted Trees in the City Park
60
Old City Park About 1870
61
lioitluu^ Ga.
Bottlers of
• SUNCREST GRAPETTE
• BUBBLE-UP
• DAD'S ROOT BEER
Phone 7-1360
NORMAL, ILLINOIS
"Top Quality"
FARM SEEDS
LIQUID FERTILIZER
Chas. T. Gildersleeve & Son
Hudson, Illinois
Compliments of
Earl G. Palmer
Lexington, Illinois
•
FARMERS AUTO INSURANCE ASS'N
CAPPERS INSURANCE SERVICE
Let Experienced Seedmen Serve Your Seed Needs
Outstanding Hybrid Seed Corn for this Area
"In Hybrids the Trend is to Pike's"
Seed Oats - Farm Seeds - Chemicals - Fertilizers
Pike Hybrid Corn Co.
PONTIAC, ILLINOIS PHONE 2323
COMPLETE FERTILIZER SERVICE
Soil Testing
We mix fertilizer to Prescription
Steve Turner Farm Seeds
Pontiac, III.
PIONEER sales are increasing at the rate of over
200,000 bushels a year. Reason for the big swing
to PIONEER — better performance, more satisfied
customers. Why not wait for me to call on you
this fall.
CHARLES WINTERLAND
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
STIEGELMBIER
WORLD CHAMPION
HYBRID SEED CORN
"Best by Performance"
Seed House on Farm 2 Miles North of Hudson, III.
and IV2 Miles East of U.S. 51. Bloomington Phone
9-2815
S-500 THE BIG NEW HYBRID FOR 1956
62
HISTORY OF CLARKSVILLE AND MONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP
The village of Clarksville was laid out in 1830 by
James Clark in what was then Kickapoo and Potta-
watomie territory. It was located on the North side
of the Mackinaw creek. At one time, it was thought
that Clarksville would become a flourishing town.
George Wallace built a flouring mill near the site
of Clarksville in 1836. The mill could not be used
in dry weather as it depended entirely on water power.
Wallace later gave up his mill to a Mr. Denson, who
died of cholera in 1855. After this, the mill went down.
Jonathan McAfferty ran a steam sawmill on land
later owned by A. A. Stewart. Here large quantities
of ties, wood and bridge stuff were sawed out and
delivered to Hudson for the Hlinois Central railroad
that was being built about 1850.
Joseph Bartholomew was an early settler and an
Indian fighter. It was under his direction that the old
block house was built in section 13 of Money Creek
Township. He now lies buried in Clarksville cemetery.
The first school in Money Creek township was taught
in a house erected for school purposes on the east
bank of Money Creek. Built of logs, the only windows
were openings where a log had been cut away, cov-
ered with greased paper, making a sort of semi-trans-
parent slit. This, and the light from a fireplace —
much better at smoking than burning — was the only
light it had. First teacher was Lindsey Scot who
received $4 per pupil for a three month term. He
had 14 to 16 pupils. However, he received free board,
going from the home of one pupil to another. Other
early teachers were W. F. Bishop, Auston White and
J. Dow.
Probably the first preaching in the Township was
by Isaac Messcr, a local man belonging to the church
of the United Brethren in Christ; with meetings being
held at the Valentine Spawr residence. Other early
preachers were Rev. John Dunham and James Eckles.
In 1856, the U. B. church was built.
The Jacob Spawr residence was the first meeting
place for the Methodists in the early 1830's. They
later built a church but abandoned it when they
joined the Towanda congregation.
The Christians had services in Money Creek Town-
ship as early as 1835 with James Robinson, a travel-
ing clei'gyman, being their first minister. They also
built a church in 1857.
Early roads in this township were exceedingly
crooked as they followed Indian trails, as is common
in timber land, rather than following section lines as
roads do in prairie land.
The origin of the name Money Creek is shrouded in
mystery, with two theories afloat — one concerning a
legend regarding the hiding of some money at Smith's
Grove by someone who died and left it buried there.
This story was circulated very early and may have
given rise to the name as applied to the creek. Again
it is said that some Indians found a piece of money
along the creek and gave it the name of Money Creek.
Jacob Spawr was an early Justice of the Peace.
Some of the early settlers were Louis Soward, who
settled here around 1825; the John Trimmer family
who came in 1826, buying land from the government
at $1.25 per acre. Mr. Trimmer died a short time later,
but his widow and children stayed on. Jacob Harness
came around 1826; also Jacob Spawr — and his
father, Valentine Spawr came the following year.
Other early settlers were the John Steers, the Van
Bushick family, the M. N. Barnards, the Moats family,
the Stretch family, the Benjamin Ogdens and John
Ogdens. Also, Dr. Ethan McAfferty, William Wilcox,
John Wiley. William Young and Adam Hinthorn are
mentioned as early settlers.
63
LEXINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE
DEPARTMENT
As did most Fire Departments, ours was started
with the old bucket brigade. An alarm bell was located
near the rear of the old Livei-y barn that is now oc-
cupied by the Hardman Implement Co. There were
two fire wells on Main Street, one being in front of
what is now Harmon's Machine shop and the other
farther west, exact spot not certain.
In 1896 the city water works were completed and
the bucket brigade gave way to a hose cart. The old
Preble building served as the Fire House. When the
alarm sounded, firemen pulled the cart to the scene
of the fire. If a dray wagon happened by the firemen
would jump on the back of it and pull the cart behind.
Later a hand pumper was added.
This system of fire fighting was used until about
1924 when a chemical truck was purchased. In 1936
the old pumper, that is still in use as the stand-by unit,
was purchased. The fire station was moved to the
south side of the park in the same general area as it
is now located.
Along with progress in road systems and transpor-
tation came consolidation of the schools and forming
of the Library District. A need was now being seen
for Rural Fire Protection. Many calls were received
from farm fires that if answered with the one and
only piece of Fire Equipment, left the City unprotected.
In 1949 a proposal to form a Rural Fire Protection
District was introduced. This district was to follow as
near as practical, the same boundaries as the new
School Unit District. However, due to lack of proper
publicity and misunderstanding on the part of the
voters, the proposal was defeated.
In 1952 the Rural Fire District proposal was again
put up to a vote and this time was approved by a
substantial majority. A board of Trustees including
Frank Stewart, Emile Rediger, and Eldon Atkins was
appointed by the county judge. The present Fire House
was then constructed on ground purchased from the
City. The old city pumper was purchased by the
District inasmuch as there was no longer a City De-
partment. In May 1953, the large pumper was delivered
and the Rural District became operative with 20 vol-
unteers listed on the active roster. In early 1955 a
1000 gallon tanker unit was received. With this modern
eciuipment and trained volunteer personnel, we are
proud to be a part of this celebration commemorating
"Our Hundred Years."
ROSTER OF VOLUNTEER FIREMEN
1955
Miles L. Ward. Chief
Clifford H. Thomas, Assisfanf Chief
William Whaley, Assistant Chief
John A. Brown, Secretary & Treasurer
Virgil Brooks
Lawrence Christian
Max Creek
Dewey Dernier
Parke Dunlap
Ross Harmon
William Janes
Floyd Kiper
Elmer Lamer
Ralph Lanzer
Louis Neldner
Elmo Page
Wayne Perry
Carl Rhodes
Harold Satterfield
Orville Tracy
William Tracy
William Wilson
Bernard Worth
64
High School — Built 1912
Grade School
Addition Connecting High School & Grade School
Built 1954
65
The FOOD CIRCUS
SUPER MARKET
JCT. 51 AND 66
Btoomington, Illinois
Air Conditioned Taproom and Dining Rooms
TOBIN'S RANCH HOUSE
FINE FOODS
STEAKS — CHICKEN — SEA FOODS
Mixed Drinks Our Specialty
704 South McGregor Phone 6-6350
Two Blocks East of Rte. 150 Near Lakeside
BLOOMINGTON, ILL
FURNITURE
APPLIANCES
STANLEY and PAUL'S
The Store that Quality Built"
NORMAL
ILLINOIS
PRESCRIPTIONS • COSMETICS
BiAsrs
A Good Drug Store in a Handy Place
Griesheim BIdg. — 2 1 7 N. Main St.
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
CONGRATULATIONS TO LEXINGTON ON YOUR 100th ANNIVERSARY
from the
< imvenn-nl I 'n-' i;i.->
r///'fK/rrv iiwi- Villi
tlir tinp>l aiildinalic
DISTRIBUTOR OF
ROPER Ranges and Clothes Dryers
PENFIELD Hot Water Heaters
SERVEL Refrigerators
BRYANT Furnaces
Dunlap Repair Service
Lexington, Illinois
Phone 142
66
First Graduating Class of Lexington High
School — 1879
Mary V. (Grey) Bertels
S. B. L. Merrill
Fanny (Okeson) Stiles
George B. M. Shilling
Millie M. (Stevenson) Buterbaugh
Ideal Lodge No. 338
Knights oj Pytliias
Instituted 1893 in Lexington
Compliments of
WM. CRUM
DE KALB CORN & CHICKS
Lexington, Illinois.
Compliments of
Jenkins Paint Service
401 North Pine Street
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
Compliments of
Myers Incorporofed
COMPLETE CROP SEKViCE
Lexington, Illinois
Compliments of
Bill's Sealtest Dairy
Your Local SEALTEST Milk Distributor
Compliments of
Glen Ingle Television Service
GUARANTEED WORK
Phone 258
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
67
Old Lindsay Store — 1891
LINDSAY'S
The Store Dependable
Since 185Q
68
Bornder's Standard Service
Lexington,
ATLAS TIRES
GREASING
-Phone 287
TIRE REPAIRING
BATTERY SERVICE
Hope's Repair Service
Electric and Acetylene Welding
Tractor & Farm Machinery Repairing
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
Captain William Goddard
Only Spanish War Veteran living In Lexington
Claucie KinsGlla
Local and Long Distance Hauling
Livestock Hauling a Specialty
Office Phone 11 — Res. Phone 145
Since 1928 at Lexington
The Very Best in Food Locker Service
One-Half Mile South of Lexington on 66
SERVING CHICKEN AND STEAKS
ALSO COCKTAILS
Wilma and Toby Davidson
410 Wesi Main Street
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
Lockers for Rent
Phone K)
69
Introducing
Staleys Feeds
Complete Feeds and Concenfrates
for your Livestock and Poultry
Manufactured by The A. E. Staley Mfg. Co.
Peine Grain & Lumber Co
LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS
Compliments of
PURITY BAKING COMPANY
BAKERS OF
SUNBEAM BREAD
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
CONGRATULATIONS ON
lOOTH ANNIVERSARY
PONTIAC MUSIC CO.
Jerry Aussieker — Owner
PONTIAC, ILLINOIS
Phone 4239
70
AUTOGRAPHS
71
HELEN AND T. M. PATTON
Community of Lexington
129 Years Old
Settled in 1826 A A Incorporated 1851
COMPLETE LINE OF BUILDING MATERIALS
I
PAMPHLET BINDER
-~ '~ Syracuse, N. Y,
— Stockton, Calif.
i
F
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA
977.359LS91 CD01
LEXINGTON CENTENNIAL. 1855-19SS. LEXINGT
3 0112 025394427
II